The Basque Country & La Rioja tour

Far away from the crowds of the Mediterranean resorts, this self-drive touring holiday is a great way to discover north-east Spain.

It will reveal the unique identity of the Basque Country with its passion for food and vibrant cities including lively Bilbao and cultured San Sebastian that’s renowned for its Michelin star cuisine. It will also provide the opportunity to explore the La Rioja region where gloriously green countryside is home to hundreds of vineyards that produce its world famous wines.

Our 6 night driving route takes you on scenic coastal roads rather than the conventional busy motorways that are recommended by GPS so that you can visit hidden gems en route that are not found in common travel guides.

It also includes some stunning fishing villages such as Lekeitio and Getaria as well as Haro and Laguardia where there is plenty of opportunity to visit wine cellars for tasting and buying.

This is a different way of holidaying – one that will show you incredible cultural sites like the Guggenheim museum and the Portugalete Hanging Bridge, plus lesser known places just waiting to be discovered that have been recommended by our local team.

Travelling by car is easy as the quality of the road network is very good, most of the motorways are free and fuel is much cheaper than in the rest of Europe.

You can combine any of our car and motorcycle tours, or you can even plan your very own itinerary from scratch using any of our hotels in Spain or Portugal. Perhaps you just want to add a few nights to one of these routes? Anything is possible - just ask!

• 2 nights in Bilbao

• 2 nights in San Sebastian

• 2 nights in Logroño

Tours can start on any day from any town on the itinerary but must follow the route in either direction. Approximate tour distances are calculated from the first to the last location. Should any location be unavailable we'll advise alternatives.

Route planning

For route planning you may wish to visit Google Maps, viamichelin.com or theaa.com.

Hotel directions

With your travel documents you will find an information sheet for each hotel which has been booked for you giving directions together with some further details.

Arrival

Unless stated, you will be expected to arrive at each of the hotels pre-booked for you by 6pm each day. This should allow you time to have a fairly leisurely drive between hotel stops but if you find you will be arriving later than this please ring and advise the hotelier so that your room is held for you.

Extra charges

Details of which meals are included at your hotels are shown on your travel documentation and on these pages. All additional meals, drinks, phone calls etc must be paid for prior to departure from the hotel.